ALBERTO CONTADOR PREVIEWS THE GIRO D'ITALIA: PART TWO

Which stage do you like best this year?
This year's Giro d'Italia is very demanding from day one. I think there are two stages that are still above the high level of this year. The first of the stages is the one around the Mortirolo and the other one is stage 20 around the Passo Fedaia because it's a very tough course near the end that will not allow anyone to be relaxed. But on the fourth day they already have a stage like Etna. It's a very interesting route this year.

Which stages do you think will be most decisive for the GC?
As in every edition I always think that the Mortirolo is the stage that most defines the development of the race. Its relevance and importance is such that you can have a bad race and win it by doing a good stage on the Mortirolo. Or the other way around, you can lead the Giro d'Italia and lose the lead on the Mortirolo.

The spectators are back after Covid-19, what does that mean for the riders and the atmosphere around the race?
It's something very nice and something that cyclists like me when I was competing really like. The pandemic made cycling lose a lot of emotion because that's the most beautiful thing about it, to feel the people close to you and the support that the fans always offer. It is also more attractive for the audience even through television, that the Italian fans enjoy and live cycling in a very nice way and we all like it.

How is the Giro different from the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España?
The most special thing about the Giro is that it's a race that is lived more on a day-to-day basis and the favourites have to compete on a 1:1 basis, unlike the Tour de France or La Vuelta. There are less obstacles than in the Giro d'Italia. Another important element is that the Giro d'Italia requires the rider to adapt as much as possible to the weather conditions, which practically makes it a matter of survival.

How does cycling differ from the sport when you were competing?
I don't think there is too much difference between the two periods except for some details of training or preparation. Maybe some technical or mechanical specifications have changed a bit, but I don't see a big difference. What I do find interesting is the improvement in terms of nutrition and recovery of the cyclists. But this is applicable to all sports in reality. Teams in general are more professional and each cyclist is also an increasingly skilled athlete.

What does it take to win a Grand Tour?
The basic and essential thing, as I said before, is consistency during the three weeks of the race. After that, the psychological factor of not being able to relax for a single day is a big wear and tear that everyone has to face and whoever is the hardest in that sense will be the one with the best chances of winning. A percentage of quality and luck is always appreciated, but the most important thing is consistency.

What do you make of Eurosport’s Bradley Wiggins ‘Brad on a Bike’? Would you like to have a go yourself?
Bradley is a crack and when I've met him I've had a great time. He's a very funny guy who lives cycling in a very particular way. Of course I'd love to try it, why not!

Alberto Contador is a Discovery Sports cycling expert. Watch the Giro d'Italia LIVE on Eurosport, discovery+ and GCN+ from Friday 6 May to Sunday 29 May 2022.